Edward Butler; one of the program's founder teach the children how to boating and canoeing at the Delaware River. Project Paddleís primary objective is to help low income children throughout the Greater Trenton area enjoy river activities that otherwise they could not enjoy due to their economic situation. Trentonian Photo/CARLOS AVILA.

TRENTON — With the Delaware River bordering Trenton, it’s a major asset for the city, yet few residents take advantage of the recreational activities it offers, such as canoeing and boating.

For some, the cost may be too high, others simply may not know where to enjoy an outdoor experience. Project Paddle, now in its third year of operation, offers Trenton kids a safe, fun boating experience.

Project Paddle is a non-profit organization founded by friends Edward Butler, Armando Martinez and Robert Ross of Ross Marine

The group’s primary objective is to help low income children throughout the Greater Trenton area enjoy river activities that otherwise they could not enjoy due to their economic situation.

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“We teach them everything from how to stay afloat with life jackets to how to operate a boat,” said Butler.

The program begins in June and runs until the end of October. Kids and youth organizations can sign up at any time subject to slots available.

“This is our third year with the program and this has been our busiest year. We have worked with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, the YMCA and several other organizations,” said Martinez.

But Trenton youth will not only learn the ins and outs of boating. They will also learn about science, math and nature. Moreover, they will learn about the importance of preserving the environment by keeping Trenton streets clean. “We teach our kids that if they throw a piece of garbage at the end of a storm drain while walking on the streets of Trenton, that garbage may eventually end up in the river that they are enjoying. That makes a real impression on them,” said Butler.

Butler noted that African-American and Latino children are less likely to ever operate or own a boat making it more important to reach out to inner-city youth. “We have people that come from Princeton and West Windsor who own a lot of the boats here but Trentonians never really give themselves the chance to experience the river that is right in their back yards,” he said.

He also noted that the river is another avenue of transportation besides cars and planes. “We want to teach our kids that they have access to this water as a means of transportation. People can travel from here to Philadelphia, to Maryland and Delaware.”

Boating certification and licensing are attainable at an early age. “At 12 years (old) an individual can start the process and at 13 he can obtain a boating certification with supervision. At 16 a person can operate a boat on their own”, said Butler.

Project Paddle operates at Ross Marine located on the shore of the Delaware River at 2245 Lamberton Road.

If you have any questions on this program you can contact Armando Martinez at 609-456-9621.